For the first time in school history, the University of Iowa football team has placed three players on the first Academic All-America Team. The announcement came today from the sponsor of the team, ESPN the Magazine. The team is voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Named to the elite first team are offensive lineman Mike Elgin, linebacker Mike Klinkenborg and defensive back Adam Shada. Elgin is a repeat member of the first unit. Shada and Klinkenborg were members of the district all-America team last year. No other school in the nation had three first-team selections.

All three are starters and will be expected in the lineup when Iowa plays an opponent from the Big XII in this year's Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX, on Dec. 30th. It's the six straight bowl appearances for Coach Kirk Ferentz' Hawkeyes.

"Everyone connected with Iowa football is proud of the academic and athletic achievements of these three players," said Head Coach Kirk Ferentz. "It's a challenge for today's Hawkeyes to balance school and athletics. Mike, Mike and Adam have, obviously, done a superb job. They are to be commended."

Iowa's three academic all-Americans join eight others from the Big Ten. The 11 honorees from the Big Ten represent more than any other conference.